Tuesday, April 21, 2009

The Short of It

What the doctors thought was "bile duct" cancer turned out to be stage III pancreatic cancer, afterall. I had a major surgery in November (the whipple surgery) and spent 32 days in the hospital recovering.

I'm currently undergoing weekly chemo treatments which should be finished by the end of July. Then I have to have 5 weeks of daily radiation therapy combined with chemo. The chemo treatments I'm currently having aren't so bad as I only feel ill two days out of the week. But, I just don't have the stamina and concentration I use to.

Prognosis for this kind of cancer isn't usually very good but I plan to beat the odds :-) Only 20% make it past 5 years. Since, I've always been active and healthy, don't smoke or drink and always wake up each morning in a happy mood....I see no rhyme or reason why God needs to take me away from my family any time soon.


Aroma Fields Candles & Bath

8 comments:

Chauncey said...

Mare I have been coming by almost every week hoping to see a post from you. I know you have a rough road ahead but there has to be some people that make up that 20%. There is no reason that shouldn't be you in that group. I'll continue to pray for your recovery. Your old friends at bbest will be doing the same.

Zuda Gay Pease said...

I'll be praying too, Mare!! You can beat this, I just know it! Sending hugs...

Judy Nolan said...

Marilyn, I'll be praying for you. Keep up the positive attitude. My dad has lung cancer and is undergoing chemo and radiation right now. He says you should get plenty of rest, feed yourself well, and make sure you take time to laugh. Maybe the last is the most important. Hugs to you!--Judy of JN Originals

On a Whimsey said...

Mare, my thoughts and prayers are with you willing you through this trying and so difficult time. I know you will come through this since you have everything going for you. You are a strong, positive person with the love of the family around you.

All your old BBEST friends will be praying for you, I know!

Lots of healing hugs coming across from across the pond.xxx

Anonymous said...

Prayers and thoughts going your way for you and your family. I admire your positive attitude. I know you will
beat this !

Beth said...

Letting you know I'm thinking about you and sending prayers and hugs.

blazingneedles said...

Mare - good thoughts coming your way! Optimism is the best medicine.

circleinthesand said...

Hi Mare....I don't think I ever really "met" you, but I'm on the Boomers Street Team, and they keep each other updated on you, so I've been following your progress. I just wanted you to know that I'm praying for you and I wish you the very, very best. I agree with what Judy said: take care of yourself, eat well and LAUGH! In reading some of your prior blog posts, I can see that your attitude is great and you are being positive!! You Go Girl!!
{{HUGS}}
Duckie
:)